Etymology: Dalea: named after Samuel Dale (1659-1739), an English physician, botanist and botanical collector, and gardener who was the author of several botanical works and a treatise on medicinal plants. He was an associate of several major botanical figures in England,Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, smooth forbLeaves: small, pinnately-divided into an odd number of leaflets (5-9) slightly wider than D. purpureaFlowers: white, 5-parted, 1/4" long; inflorescence up to 2" long, dense, cylindrical spike blooming from the bottom upward; blooms June-JulyFruits: tiny pod not splitting open when matureHabitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, meadows; in sandy, loamy soilConservation Status: Native